Written by Dr. Georgia A. Katsouli *
Very recent studies performed during the appearance of COVID-19 have come to conclusions related to the role of diet in inflammatory respiratory diseases.
Amidst various dietary tested patients with severe infection, those who had the faster improvement in symptoms and the most immediate recovery were those who had a balanced Mediterranean diet in their diet, now known as anti -inflammatory.
Today, instructions in patients with problems with upper respiratory tract infections and nasal obstruction issues, such as sinusitis, frontal vaginitis, as well as nose inflammation such as allergic rhinitis, or other rhinitis, are related to nutrition, and in particular with dietary, fast and immediate results.
Therefore there are foods that increase inflammation in our body, others that are considered neutral and those that have strong anti -inflammatory action.
Such foods with anti -inflammatory properties are:
- green vegetables and avocado,
- olive oil,
- Green tea and matcha tea,
- lean meat (a decrease in consumption of animal fat -fed animal -fed corn -fired animals that increases inflammation),
- fish rich in omega 3 fat (sardines – salmon),
- legumes,
- whole grains.
A balanced diet with protein and carbohydrates, such as Mediterranean, is very helpful and can reduce inflammation, edema and help restore nasal obstruction.
Hydration, with enough water, is important and the addition of fruit, with a high content of water and nutrients, such as strawberries, raspberries and watermelons, give an extra anterior effect.
In particular, foods to avoid in cases of nasal congestion are:
- Foods with high sugar content (pasta, potatoes, white bread, rice, dairy),
- Fried in corn oil or soy oil,
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages,
- Spicy foods,
- The consumption of a large amount of caffeine,
- Savory foods that increase edema.
By reducing inflammation in our body, we reduce all inflammatory disorders. In particular, for free nasal breathing, when obstructed by problems accompanied by edema and inflammation, the key to their rapid treatment and relief of the patient is medication always combined with an anti -inflammatory diet.
* Dr. Georgia A. Katsouli is Assistant Professor of University, ENL Head and Cervical Surgeon.
Practice: 5 Mesogeion 5, Agia Barbara
Phone: 2130485366